The Spurs began their first game with Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard back searching for rhythm and cohesion. New Orleans rode a tide of hot shooting and San Antonio turnovers to a first quarter lead. After two games off to rest his sore hand, Kawhi's shot wasn't on and no one else was able to step up and score.
The Pelicans had a modest lead that the Spurs gradually reeled in, behind play after play from Kawhi -- both scoring and assisting -- and the teams played evenly through most of the second into a 42-42 tie.